Looking at the 53 keepers

We now now who won’t be practicing for the Raiders on Sunday. Let’s look at the 53 players who get to stick around.

Keep in mind the Raiders can make waiver claims on recently cut players or straight-up sign vested veterans. They also have a practice squad to put together with players who have limited playing experience.

QUARTERBACKS (3)

JaMarcus Russell: The only way he sits is if he’s hurt or the game is widly out of hand.

Bruce Gradkowski: He couldn’t start ahead of Jeff Garcia in Tampa. Now he could be the No. 2 quarterback instead of Garcia.

Charlie Frye: He’s 2-0 as a starter at The Coliseum. If he gets a third start, that means something bad happened to Russell.

RUNNING BACKS (6)

Darren McFadden: If they want the best playmaker to start, he gets named this week.

Justin Fargas: If they want the most proven player who absorbs a beating inside the tackles, Fargas keeps his starting job.

Michael Bush: If they want a little of both starting, Bush gets the nod.

Louis Rankin: Beating out Gary Russell was the fun part. Sitting on the inactive list is the boring part, but it’s a job. He could end up a kick returner as well.

Oren O’Neal: His knee is fine and the job was his the moment they cut Lorenzo Neal in camp.

Luke Lawton: A pure blocker and special teams force who will allow O’Neal to give his knee some snaps off.

TIGHT ENDS (3)

Zach Miller: He will remain Russell’s go-to guy.

Tony Stewart: A special teams player who impressed Cable with his catching during camp.

Brandon Myers: A sixth-round pick who should pick up blocking assignments to free up Miller for pass routes.

WIDE RECEIVERS (7)

Darrius Heyward-Bey: The No. 7 overall pick was named an instant starter expected to stretch the field.

Louis Murphy: The fourth-round pick is a temporary starter with Chaz Schilens out.

Chaz Schilens: He’s the go-to receiver but he’ll miss a game or three with a broken foot.

Johnnie Lee Higgins: The slot receiver fell behind the others in camp. His role will be as a third receiver who can catch-and-sprint.

Javon Walker: A big guaranteed contract bought his aching knees time to get better. He must make up for a lack of speed with sure hands and precise routes.

Todd Watkins: Inactive most of last season, he beat out Jonathan Holland for the No. 6 job. He won’t play much this season, either.